German crew’s tour of Pakistan is seen as a optimistic step for the event of hockey within the nation. — Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Mirko Stenzel, German nationwide junior crew coach hailed Pakistan as one of many fierce rivals on the hockey discipline, with present juniors extremely spectacular in counterattacks.
“Since we are the trendsetters, our tour to Pakistan serves more than just a bilateral series. Playing hockey is just one side of our visit, our tour to Pakistan will help other nations restart touring the country. Such a visit will also help promote cultural and sporting relations between the two countries,” he mentioned.
Stenzel has a giant worth for Pakistan hockey traditions, sustaining that they’re technically sound. “Even this junior team against whom we played three tests so far is a very good side. They are exceptional in counterattacks and know well how to make the best of their abilities,” he mentioned.
Germans are defending world junior champions — the title they received 4 years again in Malaysia.
“We surely want to retain the title when we start our defence in nine months in India. We have some very talented players with us who are ready to take on the best in the world.”
On hockey construction again in Germany, Stenzel mentioned there are 400 hockey golf equipment the place youngsters begin taking part in hockey from the age of six to eight years. “We have got a settled system to promote and learn hockey in Germany. Over 400 clubs are engaged in hockey promotion. Civil society and local governments come forward to finance them.”
German Ambassador Alfred Grannas on the event termed the tour as a major growth in enhancing the bilateral relations between the 2 international locations.
“Pakistan and Germany have a long-standing relations. German hockey team visit to Pakistan will further foster the relations between the two countries. We believe in improving cultural and sporting relations between the two countries.”
Tariq Bugti, President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Secretary Rana Mujahid exchanged souvenirs with the German Ambassador and with the visiting groups. Additionally current on the event have been former Olympian, Shahbaz Ahmad Senior, Asif Bajwa and Khawaja Junaid.
Earlier, Germany’s junior hockey crew carried out an intense observe session on the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, specializing in refining their expertise and finalising preparations for his or her upcoming match.
In the course of the session, German gamers labored on health drills, passing, and goal-scoring workouts, whereas the teaching employees centered on strategic planning. Hockey lovers and native gamers have been additionally current within the stadium, admiring the German crew’s talent and method.
German crew’s tour of Pakistan is seen as a optimistic step for the event of hockey within the nation, offering native gamers with a possibility to witness and be taught from international-level hockey.
The final match of the sequence might be performed on Thursday at 3pm at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Islamabad.
